State Officials Urge Motorcyclists to Drive Safely

State officials spread the message Thursday at Lake Lanier as a reminder to motorcyclists to ride safely.

Warmer weather means more motorcycles on state roadways, said Harris Blackwood, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Every motorcycle rider should have a good helmet, proper shoes and gloves.

They also should take a safety course, said Jim Kelly, who heads the state Motorcycle Safety Program. The 24-hour courses are offered across the state.

The number of motorcycles in the state is growing, though they represent less than 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the state. Owners registered more than 200,000 motorcycles in Georgia last year. State records show nearly 8.7 million vehicles are registered in Georgia.